DK Grammar Guide

38

The present perfect continuous is used to talk about a

continuing activity in the past that still has an effect on

the present moment. It usually refers to the recent past.

The present perfect continuous

The present perfect continuous describes an activity that took place over a period

of time in the recent past. The activity might just have stopped or might still be happening.

THE PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

HOW TO FORM

FURTHER EXAMPLES

See also:

Past simple 7 Present perfect simple 11

Infinitives and participles 51

“-ing ” is added to

the main verb.

“Been” stays the

same for all subjects.

Use “have” or “has,”

depending on the subject.

SUBJECT “HAS / HAVE” “BEEN” VERB + “-ING” OBJECT

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

The past activity

often affects the

present moment.

“I have” can be shortened to “I’ve.” “He has” can be shortened to “He’s.”

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39

THE PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS AND THE PRESENT PERFECT SIMPLE

FURTHER EXAMPLES

The present perfect continuous is used to show that an activity in the

past was in progress. It is possible that the activity is still taking place.

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

PRESENT PERFECT SIMPLE

The present perfect simple is used to show

that an activity in the past is finished.

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